I don't think it serves an actual function past that, but in some cultures, sharing an umbrella is apparently an intimate gesture when done with any other than family members. Intimate seems to imply romantic interest in this case. Regardless, it's not common across cultures, but as a consequence, I'm not inviting the headache of sharing umbrellas with anyone from more modern times in Japan again anytime soon.
[ the things she learns, man, the things she learns and agrees with Artemis about these things being stupid (but worth respecting when she's aware) ]
no subject
[ the things she learns, man, the things she learns and agrees with Artemis about these things being stupid (but worth respecting when she's aware) ]